The Mayo Clinic Diet blog

Individualization key in weight loss program

Unless you're looking for a quick fix (that usually doesn't exist), remember that losing weight and maintaining weight loss requires lifestyle changes in diet, exercise and the behaviors associated with these habits.

While ultimately weight loss is dependent on those main areas, there are many different challenges we all face. For example, some of you may have challenges because you eat out often, you don't know how to cook healthy meals, or you don't like vegetables or fruits very much. Others may have different challenges. And a few don't have any challenges.

Because most of us have different challenges, individualization is extremely important in a weight management program. "One size fits all" doesn't apply. When you're designing your weight management plan, do an inventory of your strengths and challenges. Write down what you do well, such as eat plenty of vegetables. Recognize and rely on your strengths.

This will give you confidence and help you carry out your plan. Also, write down your challenges and obstacles. Then do some problem solving and come up with specific strategies to help deal with these obstacles. The more honest you are with yourself, both in recognizing your obstacles and coming up with realistic strategies, the greater the likelihood you'll succeed.

In "The Mayo Clinic Diet" book there's an Action Guide that lists many different obstacles and strategies on how to address them. This may help you on your weight loss journey. We're designing a new healthy living program at Mayo Clinic that will include a weight management component.

This will be a 2-3 day onsite intensive lifestyle change program, and one of the key features will be individualization. Everyone is unique in their own wonderful ways. And everyone who undertakes weight loss should tailor their plan to their own unique circumstances.

I have had the Mayo Clinic Diet book and journal for a few months now. I am resolving some health issues now and want to begin the program. One thing I've noticed - first a lot of the book photos show young people. What about seniors. Secondly, your video pretty much implies that a spouse or partner is going to be going along with the diet. Helping with the preparation, cooking the recipes, etc.
My spouse is not interested in doing the program. She does not cook any meals (except salads) and as a senior, I am stuck with becoming a chef to prepare such foods/meals as those listed in the book. I can do some meal preparation myself but you're assuming a lot.
Perhaps there is something in the back of the book for male seniors like myself, but this program is definitely for younger, experienced cooks.
A chapter could be devoted to how the older male can incorporate such a program into his life without becoming a shopper, food prepper and cook. The exercise and breakfasts I can do but a second person to shop, prepare, cook and motivate is really needed. This should be upfront in the book

Chuck Thornton

September 1, 2014 11:14 a.m.

I'm assuming this is not covered by insurance.
How much woukd it cost?
I gained 20 lbs wheni got full body tendonitis from taking Levaquin.
18 months later, my body can move againand I want to shed.
How much is this program?
Carol

Carol

September 1, 2014 11:13 a.m.

I'm assuming this is not covered by insurance.
How much woukd it cost?
I gained 20 lbs wheni got full body tendonitis from taking Levaquin.
18 months later, my body can move againand I want to shed.
How much is this program?
Carol

Carol

February 5, 2014 2:11 p.m.

When you say to me :Everyone who undertakes weight loss should tailor teir plan to their own needs...Thats just the problem. When your to far overweight your discouraged, and your kidding yourself that your tailoring your own successful plan to loss weight.
By the way what is the meaning of Medibolic Syndrome?

Carmen Werner

November 12, 2013 5:02 a.m.

Its very informative and i am sure it will help many other people like the way it helps me. Thanks for the information.

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